Page 56 of Hitched to the Vampire King

“I can do that,” Sam said as he took a turn and headed deeper into the bayou. Thanks to Avery’s details and instructions, he knew exactly where to go. We had no intentions of parking in front of the warehouse, though. We wanted to remain as unseen as possible.

“We’re getting close,” I said in a quiet voice. “Let’s find somewhere to park and go the rest of the way on foot.”

Sam nodded, already slowing the van as he looked for a suitable place to pull over. Once he found a secluded spot hidden from the main road by a thick cluster of trees, he parked and killed the engine.

For a moment, we just sat there, and I took a second to gather my thoughts. I could see the warehouse ahead, but it looked different in the sunlight. Almost normal. It didn’t match the memories, but then again, I hadn’t stopped to study the warehouse’s exterior that night.

Without a word, I opened the passenger door and stepped out into the humid air. The sounds of nature rose to my ears, reminding me of our wild dash through the bayou. Hopefully, that wouldn’t happen again.

After grabbing the equipment from the back seat, Sam climbed out and circled around the van, coming to a stop next to me. He flicked on the RF detector, then dialed into the call. I did the same, breathing a sigh of relief when his voice filtered through my earpiece, telling everyone we’d arrived.

“Roger,” Josh said, his voice loud in my head.

I adjusted the volume, then nodded at Sam, signaling that I was ready.

“We’re approaching the warehouse,” Sam reported when we started forward, keeping off the road in case anyone spotted us. The ground was soft underfoot, the earthy smell of the bayou mingling with the slight tang of saltwater from nearby marshes.

“From here out, we need to be careful,” I said, my eyes peeled on the warehouse. “There were at least four human guards when Gabriel and I were here. They may have brought them in specifically to guard us, since I’m not a vampire, or they may be regular day time guards. We won’t know till we get inside.”

“How do you want to handle them?” Sam asked.

I considered his question. They were human, but as far as I was concerned, these humans had signed their death warrants by working with Nash.

“We take them out if we have no other choice,” I told Sam.

Sam nodded, his expression grim but determined.

We moved silently, using the natural cover to our advantage as we navigated the terrain. The warehouse loomed ahead, its single door entrance gleaming in the sunlight. Once we were close enough to the building, we paused, taking a moment to survey the area for any signs of movement or security measures.

Sam met my gaze, and I tapped my ear, then shook my head, wordlessly telling him I didn’t hear anyone. We both glanced at the RF detector to find it quiet, offering a small measure of relief, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

“Front door?” Sam whispered.

“Front door,” I echoed, knowing it was only the way in. Either that or the window we’d climbed out, and I didn’t love that idea.

With a shared nod, Sam and I hurried toward the front door. It seemed too straightforward, walking up to the entrance of the place that had held me captive, but we didn’t have any other options. Sam jiggled the handle, only to find it locked. But apparently, he’d prepared for the possibility, and pulled a small kit out of his pocket. He crouched in front of the door and got to work. A few seconds later, he pulled it open and peeked inside.

Huh. Guess my brother-in-law knew how to pick locks.

We crept inside the cool and dark interior, and I had to blink to help my eyes adjust. Once I could see again, I took in our surroundings to find that we’d entered the holding cells area of the warehouse.

Sam and I stood in the hallway, staring at the many closed doors. I’d have to look in each one again. I couldn’t leave without knowing there wasn’t anyone new trapped here. But we also needed to find Nash’s office, all while ensuring keeping out of sight of any guards.

Sam tapped my shoulder, and when I glanced his way, he pointed to our left, where he’d spotted a staircase, something I understandably hadn’t noticed my first time here. That explained where Elias and Adrian had gone after visiting us in our cages.

Sam signed that we should go upstairs, but I held up a hand, then pointed at the doors. I had to know. He grimaced, but nodded. I gestured to the right side, then pointed him to the left.

I reached for the first door, then took a deep breath. I’d hoped I’d never have to look in one of these again. But here we were.

Quickly, methodically, and silently, Sam and I checked the rooms. Every time I opened one, the smell of terror and blood assaulted me, but I pushed that aside and opened each and every door, including the one that had held me and Gabriel. Our scents were faint, but still present, and it made me shudder.

We reached the last room, and I turned to find Sam standing in the one where we’d found Avery. When he didn’t immediately leave, I stepped inside, then froze. The room still reeked of her, but it was the message painted on the walls in blood that made my heart stop dead in my chest.

She’s mine.

My breath quickened, but I didn’t make a sound. Instead, I gripped Sam’s arm and hauled him out, quietly closing the door behind us. Once in the hallway, I shook off my fear, then forced us back to the upper-level stairwell.

We took the stairs two at a time, careful not to make any noise. At the top, we emerged onto a landing that led to a single door. I paused just beyond it and listened, but heard nothing. No guards, no machines, nothing. The warehouse was completely and utterly silent. And I wasn’t sure if that boded well for us.

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